Adapalene vs Tretinoin
National NHS prescribing compared (Prescription Cost Analysis)
Adapalene was dispensed 1,643.9× as often as Tretinoin in May 2026 — 11,507 items versus 7 in England.
11,507items
Adapalene · May 2026
NHSBSA Prescription Cost Analysis
7items
Tretinoin · May 2026
NHSBSA Prescription Cost Analysis
Figure 1. Adapalene versus Tretinoin: national items dispensed by month
▬ Adapalene · ╌ Tretinoin
Source: NHSBSA Prescription Cost Analysis, to May 2026
| Measure | Adapalene | Tretinoin |
|---|---|---|
| Items, May 2026 | 11,507 | 7 |
| Items, last 12 months | 144,749 | 89 |
| Net ingredient cost, May 2026 | £231,500 | £1,440 |